xxi, 1896-2714 pages ; 24 cm

It provides an authoritative and comprehensive explanation of ethical values concealed in Israel's rituals. Although at first glance Leviticus seems far removed from the modern-day world, Milgrom's thoughtful and provocative comments and notes reveal its enduring relevance to contemporary society. Leviticus 23-27 brings us to the climactic end of the book and its revolutionary innovations, among which are the evolution of the festival calendar with its emphasis on folk traditions, and the jubilee, the priestly answer to the socio-economic problems of their time

Includes bibliographical references (pages 2469-2554)-and indexes

IV. The holiness source (Chapters 17-27) -- 23. The holiday calendar -- Translation -- Notes -- Comments -- A. The composition of chapter 23 -- B. The Sabbath-week: A resolution to a heavy crux -- C. The festival of booths in Nehemiah 8 -- D. Exodus 23:18-19; 34:25-26 and the Paschal sacrifice -- E. The firstfruits festivals of Qumran -- F.A brief comparison of the Israelite and Hittite festival calendars, by David T. Stewart

24. Tabernacle oil and bread; the case of blasphemy -- Translation -- Notes -- Comments -- A. The structure of Leviticus 24:23-23 and its significance -- B. Lex Talionis in the Bible and the ancient Near East -- C. Lex Talionis and the rabbis -- D. Lev. 24:10-23: Apostasy in H by Simeon Chavel

25. Jubilee, the priestly solution for economic injustice -- Translation -- Notes -- Comment -- A. The jubilee: Its date and background -- B. The Sabbatical and jubilee: Their observance -- C. The Sabbatical and jubilee: Are they consecutive? -- D. The salve laws of Exodus 21 (and Deuteronomy 15) versus Leviticus 25 -- E. The slave laws of D and H compared -- F. Was the jubilee year observed in preexilic Judah? -- G. Jubilee: A rallying cry for today's oppressed

26. Blessings, curses, and the recall of the covenant -- Translation -- Notes -- Comments -- A. The unbroken covenant -- B. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 -- C. Leviticus 26 and Ezekiel -- D.H (except Leviticus 26), the other Pentateuchal sources, and Ezekiel -- E. The date of Leviticus 26

27. Consecrations and their redemption -- Translation -- Notes -- Comments -- A. The organizing principle of Leviticus 27 and a Hittite confirmation -- B. Leviticus 27: Its function and date -- C. Oaths, vows, and consecrations -- D. Sanctifications -- E. The firstborn -- F. The Herem -- G. The tithe: Its history -- H. The tithe: Mandatory or voluntary? -- I. Can the tithe laws be harmonized? -- J. Ancient seed mensuration and Leviticus 27:16, by Jean Sheldon

Appendixes: A. Response to Henry Sun -- B. Response to Baruch Levine -- C. Rejoinder to Israel Knohl -- D. Response to Adrian Schenker -- E. Response to Victor Hurowitz -- F. On The Savage in Judaism -- G. Response to Hyam Maccoby -- H. Addenda and corrigenda

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